The Project process: | | Concept Design
The design process is started with a client briefing, where the building or sites geometry is determined and fabric shape structure options are evaluated to best meet client’s requirements.
FSS will then develop concept drawings to allow clear visualisation and understanding of the project, for client approval. |  | Engineering Analysis
Once a client is happy with a design concept, an analysis of the loads and stresses of the structure is completed to evaluate project feasibility. Specialist fabric engineers are used to calculate membrane stresses and induced loads on supporting structures, including wind, snow, dead loads, prestress etc. |  | Engineered Design
In this stage our designers work with the engineers to design both the fabric membranes and supporting structure. The end product is sets of detailed workshop drawing for the fabrication of the structure and membranes. |  | Patterning & Nesting
Generating the cutting patterns to form the detailed shape of the fabric membrane is the most critical part in the design process. Special software is used to calculate fabric prestresses and characteristics, with the 3D membrane model “peeled” to determine flattened fabric cuts. The individual patterns are then nested together to optimise material on the cutting room floor. |  | Fabrication
FSS’s fabric workshop then takes over in realising the design through the cutting, welding & finishing of the fabric membrane. Fabrication of the structural works is carefully managed by FSS to ensure its accurate marriage with the fabric membrane. FSS’s quality control measures ensure a high degree of accuracy, technical and aesthetic detail is achieved in every job. |  | Installation
FSS’s dedicated team of experienced riggers and installers ensures the final execution of a project is carried out precisely to plan and schedule. Careful attention is paid to fabric prestresses to achieve the designed fabric shape and membrane stability. |  |
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Architectural Structures 
